Goa is a state in India consisting of an offshore island and a mainland on the south coast. It’s approximately 400 km or 250 miles from Mumbai. The state neighbors Karnataka in the southeast and Maharashtra towards the North. On the west coast, it borders the Arabian Sea.
This location is famous as a tourist destination, and there are many areas to visit and enjoy your holiday. From sports to visiting numerous markets and enjoying the delicious cuisine, Goa is the place to be. Whether traveling alone or in a group, it’s super-safe for everybody. You can book a flight ticket to Panaji city and access the beautiful destinations via a bus or private taxi. Keep reading as we explore the best places to visit in Goa.
Top 19 Places to Visit in Goa
Here are the Top 19 places to visit in Goa includes:
1. Calangute Beach
Also known as the Queen of Beaches, Calangute Beach is one of the best places in Goa for all travelers. Whether you’re a party buff, social butterfly, nature lover, or adventure junkie, there’s always more for your eyes to feast on. This beach is the largest, with many activities that will make you stay forever. It boasted of natural beauty and, coupled with its people’s hospitality. Tourists have a special place to call home. The scenery is magical, with beautiful views and breathtaking landscapes. Calangute is the best place to escape and relax if you’re used to living in big cities.
You don’t have to worry about the cost of traveling to this beach. Indeed you can book cheap flights to Goa and visit Calangute using public means to spend less.
The beach is spectacular, and the markets are full of life. Here, you can buy anything from food to clothes and find jewelry, bags, and much more. Amazingly, the prices are so affordable that there’s something for everybody.
If you’re a foodie, many restaurants serve delicious local cuisine. You can also have a taste of Indian and Arabian dishes, including some international words. That’s not all; you can sip your favorite beer as you watch the sunset disappear in the sun-dappled Arabian Sea.
The vegetation brings forth a cool breeze on a sunny afternoon. There are coconut trees and rich palm trees that create beautiful beach scenery. If you’re looking for the best place to escape, this is one of the best places to visit in Goa. It’s one of a kind, and you’ll get the best treat as you tour the town.
There are classic Portuguese buildings that date back hundreds of years. The history of this beach is rich and unforgettable. Some buses pick up and drop off passengers from Panaji to access the beach. You can also hire a private cab, and you’ll be in Calangute within an hour. Goa international airport is 40 Kilometers away, and once your plane touches down, you can ride a taxi to this marvelous gem.
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2. Tito’s Street
There is no place like Tito’s Street, and you’ll find many exciting things here. Tito is a party haven with lots of clubs all over the place. If you love clubbing, you’ll enjoy an adventure here. Many people access this place due to its strategic location; it is one of the best places to visit in Goa.
Likewise, tourists will not get lost here since it’s popular with visitors worldwide. Here you can sample the best drinks in the upstairs dancehall as you watch the crowd get frenzy. Security is top-notch, and you can head here for an unforgettable adventure.
Tito’s nightclub is one of the famous discotheques that have been around for 50 years. For the best nightlife in Goa, club LPK, Cape Town Cafe, and Blue Waves are also popular spots.
3. Aguada Fort
The Aguada Fort stands in the sea, and the sight is picturesque. The road that leads to this place has dark bricks with a touch of Portuguese style. You can have a perfect view of the Arabian Sea and the Mandovi River here. It is one of the best places to visit in Goa.
This fort is a Portuguese heritage that has existed for around 400 years. The Portuguese erected this structure as a defense from Dutch and Marathas invasions. Initially, it could hold an arsenal of weapons to prepare for retaliation. It’s one of the most famous structures the Portuguese have built worldwide. Currently, it’s a renowned sight for tourists that stand between Candolim and Sinquerim beaches.
Another stunning feature is the ancient lighthouse that has been around since 1864. It’s a popular place in Fort Aguada to visit for a lifetime adventure. The building is antique with a blend of Portuguese culture. It’s also the best place to view the sunset as the day ends. In Goa, the afternoons can be hot, and the old lighthouse offers the best place to relax and cool off. You can walk along the sandy beaches in the evening for some cool breeze.
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4. Baga Beach
Baga Beach is a famous tourist destination located in the North district of Goa. Many people visit this place every year to have fun and indulge in some sporting activities. The coastline is also home to Baga, Candolim, and Sinquering, which are equally popular and exciting. The beach has the best nightlife and, if you’re a party animal, you wouldn’t want to miss this place.
You’ll get to party all night as you interact with other party-goers. Head over to Baga beach for some action and thrilling adventure. Some musical extravagances and celebrations run throughout the night. The food is delicious, and you can shop for clothes and sports gear. It is one of the best places to visit in Goa.
Other than the nightlife, you can also engage in other activities, such as fishing and paddleboarding. Besides, there are tattoo shops scattered everywhere and discos. Many visitors come to witness the stunning Ganga River as it drains its waters to the Arabia Sea. In their natural habitat, you can also watch fascinating sea creatures, such as Dolphins. Baga beach is only 15 kilometers from the Panaji airport and is accessible via private and public means.
The beach is home to Casa de Retiros, an iconic structure in the middle of a hill. Here, you can have a scenic view of the Arabia Sea while watching the beautiful sunset and the ocean. The Lady of Piety church is also accessible via Baga beach, and the best part is the annual festival, which locals and visitors attend.
5. Anjuna Beach
Anjuna Beach is located along the Goa & Karnataka border. It’s a famous holiday destination recommended for visitors from all walks of life. And just like a regular place, it’s also one of the best places to visit in Goa. Besides the beach, Anjuna is home to a four-tire waterfall building. All these are on the banks of the Mandovi River, and it is one of the best places to visit in Goa.
The scenery is out of this world as water gushes down the structure and descends more than 1000 feet below. This place is also a heritage area as it’s among the systems in the Mollem National park. Here, the waterfalls are spectacular, and visitors can tour the park in groups to witness the green landscape. For camping, you can check with your travel agent.
Anjuna Flea Market is a major attraction and is open on Wednesdays. This market is exciting to buy different food items at great prices. After a long day touring the area, you’ll get tea, snacks, and other specialties. It’s near the city, and you can access it by taxi, bus or scooter.
6. Mambos
Mambos is the place where the party never stops. Here, you can enjoy your vacation by sampling the best nightclubs with a fanatic crowd, and it is one of the best places to visit in Goa.
Local people and foreigners visit Mambos for fun and delicious food. It’s located at Baga beach, only a few kilometers from Goa’s capital, Panaji.
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7. Arambol Beach
Arambol Beach is located in the Fisherman’s village and is a famous attraction. It’s a beautiful beach packed with all goodness for an epic adventure. The sea view is awesome, and some niceties accompany the package.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll be glad to discover that there are barbeque festivals for the best taste of local cuisine. There are many eateries and music to calm your soul.
You can also access Kalacha beach with green vegetation for a relaxed experience. It’s a perfect place to hold your party and participate in sports like hang gliding and paragliding. The Paliem Lake is only 15 kilometers from the beach and is sandwiched between a hill and sleek land. Visitors enjoy swimming in this lake and paragliding.
Our lady of Mt. Carmel church has a white building and is the best place for a historical souvenir. Keri beach is popular, charming, and vintage. It’s the perfect place to relax since it’s away from the bustles of the city. It is one of the best places to visit in Goa.
Some exciting sports you can engage in include Jet Ski, Surfing, bumper rides, and banana boat rides. The nightlife is electrifying since the beach has many clubs. The coco loco club has the best food, drinks, and music. Also, the red rock bar is spacious and addictive.
8. Chapora Fort
Chapora fort is situated in the Bardez Goa at a high area above River Chapora. Muslim Emperor Adil Shah builds this structure, and it’s a famous tourism hub. The Portuguese acquired this building after a series of conquests. Hence, this explains why the architecture has some Portuguese influence.
The place is historical, and you can see the Chapora River and the Arabian Sea perfectly. It is one of the best places to visit in Goa. It’s not exactly when it existed, but historical records predict it’s been around for around 400 years.
Although it had several rulers over the years, the Portuguese had a lot of influence. In the early days, it was a military barrack. Different passageways led one into the sea or the riverside to escape aggression from the enemy. The place is famous for movie production companies such as Bollywood.
9. Vagator Beach
Beach life is everything in Goa, and the Vagator is one of the best places with modern restaurants and hotels. Goan food has a lot of influence from Hindu, Islam, and Portuguese heritage. Many tourists enjoy delicious local cuisines like the Xacuti at the Vagator beach, a mix of delightful lamb curry and spicy chicken.
You can also have a taste of Cafreal, which is marinated chicken. The Vindaloo, Bebinca, and Sanna are also popular and delicious. Vagator beach offers great food at the clifftop as you view the fort beneath.
For tour enthusiasts, this is the place not to miss in Goa. The site has red cliffs overlooking small rivers emptying into the sea. This beach is only 16 kilometers from Panjim, and you can access it via a two-wheeler which is common here.
During summer, it gets really hot, and thus it’s recommended to visit between late October and the end of March. This historic location gives you better access to the Chapora Fort, Our lady of Piety, St. Alex church, Morjim beach, and Ozran beach.
The looks and the activities; everything here in this place makes it one of the best places to visit in Goa.
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10. Dr. Salim Ali Bird sanctuary
Dr. Salim Ali Bird sanctuary is a famous spot, home to many bird species from different places. If you love birds, you surely don’t want to miss visiting this sanctuary. This shelter is on Chorao Island along the banks of the Mandovi River.
You can access it via a ferry from Panaji City. This sanctuary spreads across hundreds of acres of land under the Mangrove trees. It’s a natural nest area for the birds and is world-renowned. Here, you’ll find the endangered Indian Bustard Bird amongst other native birds.
Other animals in this sanctuary include fish and insects. The amazing thing is that there’s a watchtower that offers the best view of the island and the birds. Visitors can use a repellent to keep biting insects at bay. Although small, this shelter is certainly one of Goa’s best places to visit.
11. Mollem National park
Birds are not the only mammals you can see while in Goa; numerous other animals are also present in the Mollem National Park.
This park is under the Bhagwan Mahaveer shelter, approximately sixty kilometers from Panaji. It borders Karnataka and is an ideal site to visit with family or friends. Besides watching animals in their natural habitat, you can also picnic in the park. It is one of the best places to visit in Goa.
The landscape is covered with green grass, and the forest is super-thick. It’s a haven for many animals, including some of the rarest birds. There are butterflies, different snake species, and various insects. You can tour the Tambdi Falls, Sunset Point, and Devil’s Canyon here. There is a historic Tambdi temple that dates back 800 years and other monuments in this gem.
12. Naval Aviation Museum
The Naval Aviation Museum is a military barracks and one of Goa’s best places to visit. It’s a good place to stay with your loved ones and friends. The Museum has two pavilions on the inside and an open court on the outside. There is a spacious park along with many military aircraft there.
The arsenals are essential aspects of India’s Defence Ministry, and here you’ll find things like tanks, bombs, rockets, and torpedoes. These are crucial war equipment for protecting the sea against external aggression. There is a simulation room where the kids can have a treat in the inner cockpit, and it’s a fun place to be and learn how the military works.
13. Bats Island
Bats Island forms parts of the mushrooming islands off the coast of Goa. Although not world-renowned, this island is the best place to visit in Goa if you love watersports. Here you can engage in many fun activities, such as snorkeling in the sea, and it is one of the best places to visit in Goa.
You can see different sea creatures like turtles, butterflyfish, sea cucumbers, parrotfish, and lobsters. Visitors can ride the speed boats at Vasco De Gama Beach or the yacht. For food, you can carry some snacks and drinks.
14. Dona Paula Beach
Most people who visit Goa would like to experience beach life, club away, and see various spots. The Dona Paula beach is addictive and a must-see beach in Goa. It’s not so large, but there’s more than meets the eye in this legendary hub. Most visitors who come to Dona Paula visit because of curiosity; it is one of the best places to visit in Goa.
There is a history of passion and death. An example is whereby ghosts appear in the middle of the night wearing jewelry while seeking love. It’s just a myth of how legendary Dona Paula committed suicide. Her tomb is also a famous tourist attraction that visitors flock to yearly.
Another feature is the Salim Ali bird shelter, a stone’s throw away. You can play different games at Dona Paula, such as windsurfing, water-skiing, yachting, and swimming. This historic site is accessible via public and private transport, and there are many restaurants, such as the Peep Kitchen and Blash Sheep Bistro, for some delicious dishes.
It is a great place to visit Goa for everyone, especially for history enthusiasts.
15. Fort Tiracol
Fort Tiracol stands at a hill, and, just like other Portuguese structures, it’s a must-see site in Goa. It has been around for many years and is a national monument. It reminds the Goans of the historic struggle for freedom and how the fighters braved it all for future generations. It is one of the best places to visit in Goa.
The place was ruined during the struggle but rebuilt in later years. Today, this beautiful building has impressive architecture and wonderful paintings. You’ll get the best view of the stunning Arabia Sea and watch the sunset. The place is accessible via taxis or buses and is only 49 kilometers from Panaji city.
16. Mangueshi Temple
One thing that makes the Mangueshi Temple famous is its special dedication to Lord Mangueshi. It’s a renowned tourist attraction, especially if you want a real Goa experience. The original temple has existed for over 500 years in the Mangesh Linga area. However, 150 years ago, it was moved to its current location. It is one of the best places to visit in Goa.
This monument consists of pilasters, domes, and balustrades. You can access the building through the main entrance and view the stunning tower. There are other rooms where people flock for worship.
The landscape consists of lush grass, palm trees, and fruit trees. Also, the nearby market is vibrant, and you can purchase many things. There is an amazing view at night as tens of candles light up the area.
17. Corjuem Fort
Corjuem is an inland fort and a major tourist attraction. Although there are no beaches here, it’s the best place to relax on a hot afternoon, enjoy a picnic with family and gaze at the beautiful scenery. It is one of the best places to visit in Goa.
The fort has been around for over 500 years and is in a strategic location. Here, the war took place between the locals, Portuguese and British. It was in ruins, but the British took it at the turn of the 18th century. As a historic site, the structure has some antique taste and architecture for all to see.
Further, you can view River Mapusa from this location and take pictures for long-lasting memories.
18. Ashwem Beach
Ashwem beach is situated towards the North and is near Panaji City. It’s a famous beach with beautiful palm trees and white sand. The local people grow cashew nuts, and fishing is the main activity. Like many spots in Goa, various landmarks are near Ashwen beach. Examples include Chapora fort, harmal beach, Morjai temple, Morjim beach, and Arambol Mountain. It is one of the best places to visit in Goa.
There are many games, such as surfing, paragliding, windsurfing, and boat rides, for you to engage in. The nightlife is amazing, with many shacks like paradise, S2 beach, and Cafe Sea green shacks. The markets are vibrant for a shopping spree adventure.
As you can see, this place can easily be one of the best places to visit in Goa with the sheer amount of things to do.
19. Galgibaga Beach
Galgibaga is a quiet beach with casuarinas on its borderline. It’s famous because it’s here you’ll find turtles resting by the seaside. Unlike other beaches, there are no sporting activities, and the area is mainly an angler’s haven. It’s further from the city and a perfect place to seek solace if you’re a lone traveler. It is one of the best places to visit in Goa.
Conclusion
Goa state should be on your bucket list if you’re planning to travel to India. As a coastal district, there are many places to visit in Goa, have fun, and stay in this rare gem. There is a mix of culture and history in Goa, and, from our discussion, the Portuguese have a lot of influence here. Other than that, delicious cuisines blend Indian, Islamic, and Portuguese delicacies. You’ll enjoy the nightlife, where there is a never-ending party and shopping for various accessories at the market bazaars. What are you waiting for? Book a flight ticket to Goa and enjoy your vacation!